The interesting thing about this whole story is the lessons it teaches about how not to lie.

1. Don’t make up such a preposterous story that people are going to want to repeat it. In this day and age, someone will know the truth, and if your lie gets spread around on social media, those who know will come forward.

2. If you’re in charge of the social media, or any type of media relations, for a team, before you start spreading the story of your “hero” player, make double sure it’s actually true.

USC might not be as embarrassed about the story as Shaw is, but they look a little sloppy here.